May 2007

9th May 2007

11:46 AM — In a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are being criminalised, tortured or ill-treated on the basis of their real or perceived sexuality, people in Scotland are being asked to take action.To mark the third International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on 17th May, individuals are encouraged to demand greater respect for the human rights by writing to one of the countries failing to protect LGBT people from abuse.

11:32 AM — The Chief Rabbi of Rome has weighed into the controversy surrounding gay rights.Riccardo Di Segni has said people of the Jewish faith must oppose moves to grant limited recognition to same-sex and unmarried couples.The main Islamic group in Italy has also backed the stance of the Roman Catholic church.

11:10 AM — Gay activists have hailed the reintroduction yesterday of the Uniting American Families Act.The bill will allow US citizens and legal residents in same-sex relationships to sponsor their partners for immigration purposes.One of the fundamental principles of U.S. immigration law is the notion of family unification.

10:55 AM — A Florida airport employee got the axe Monday for playing an anti-gay message on a terminal intercom, offending a travelling gay couple.The South Florida Sun-Sentinal reports that Broward County officials said Jefhro Monestime, an employee at Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, admitted to playing the offensive verse through the intercom last week as a joke.The verse from Leviticus 20:13 was broadcast last Tuesday throughout the airport.

8th May 2007

7:40 PM — It could go down in history as one of the worst political decisions ever made - if gay votes are anything to go by.A poll of PinkNews.co.uk readers shows that if David Miliband had got up the courage to tackle Gordon Brown for the leadership, Labour might have had a stronger chance of winning an historic fourth term in office.27% wanted Mr Miliband as next Prime Minister.

5:15 PM — The two parties sitting down to face each other as partners in government in Belfast today disagree about many things.Gay rights proves no exception. Sinn Fein were the only party to mention LGB or T people at all until a few years ago.While middle-class Catholic opinion in the form of the SDLP was cleaved tight to the pedestrian morality of the Roman Church, the doctrinaire Republicans were all for equality in its many forms.

4:45 PM — Coalition negotiations between the Scottish National Party and the Green Party may result in a bisexual MSP becoming a member of the Scottish Executive.Patrick Harvie was re-elected to represent Glasgow as a Green in last week's elections for the Scottish Parliament.The SNP beat Labour to first place in the elections, but with 47 seats do not have an outright majority in the parliament.

4:11 PM — A special free event designed to inform gay, lesbian and bisexual people of their rights has been organised by award-winning solicitors Russell Jones WalkerPink Law - Know Your Rights At Home, At Work At Play is sponsored by PinkNews.co.ukMembers of the gay community will be able to get free access to information about the range of new laws affecting their lives.

3:22 PM — Pop icon George Michael pleaded guilty at Brent Magistrates Court this morning to a charge of being unfit to drive due to drugs.An additional charge of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs has been dropped. He will be sentenced later this month"I am perfectly aware that I did something very wrong and got into my car when I was unfit to drive," George Michael said in court.

1:22 PM — A compilation of the most prominent gay people in the UK has been published. The Independent on Sunday newspaper brought forward publication in the light of Lord Browne's resignation as chief executive of BP last week over a gay scandal.The upper part of the list is dominated by entertainers. Doctor Who producer and writer Russell T Davies is the most powerful gay man in Britain.

12:32 PM — In another sign of relaxing attitudes to homosexuality in the world's most populous country, the state-controlled Chinese press has reported on the problems faced by gay people. China Daily has highlighted the work of a Guangzhou-based free hotline for homosexuals.However, the paper emphasises that 56% of the 2,336 calls it has received are about psychological problems.

11:40 AM — LGBT activists were coming to terms with the defeat of Segolene Royal in Sunday's final election for the President of France.Nicolas Sarkozy won a solid 53% of the vote on Sunday to Ms Royal's to 47%. There was another huge turnout of 85%.The victory of right-wing Mr Sarkozy means that the chances of gay marriage becoming legal in France are greatly reduced.

11:03 AM — Delegates of the nations largest gay Republican organisation have cast their eye on former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani as their presidential choice.The Log Cabin Republicans cite his record on social issues, taxes and defence among his virtues.Giuliani has been courting more conservative GOP (Republican) voters in his bid for the White House.

10:45 AM — The United States Navy has called an openly gay sailor back to active duty after dismissing him under the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual service personnel.According to Stars Stripes newspaper, Petty Officer Jason Knight came out to his command and was subsequently discharged from the Navy in 2005.After being recalled to active duty, Knight is now finishing a scheduled one-year tour in Kuwait.

7th May 2007

11:15 AM — In a nationwide poll of PinkNews.co.uk readers, Tony Blair's legacy has been praised but Gordon Brown substantially lacks support.The appointment of Ruth Kelly is considered the biggest stain on Blair's gay rights legacy.David Milliband was the most popular choice as the next leader of the Labour Party, with 27 per cent support, 14 per cent ahead of Gordon Brown (13%).

5th May 2007

8:15 PM — Tony Blair is expected to resign as leader of the Labour Party on Thursday, triggering a contest where the eventual winner will become the UK's new Prime Minister.Therefore, PinkNews.co.uk is conducting a reader survey to assess Blair and the Labour Party's LGBT rights record.Simply click here to take part.

5:15 PM — Heiress and gay icon, Paris Hilton has been sentenced to 45 days in prison after she ignored a driving ban.A judge in Los Angeles ordered Hilton to spend almost two months behind becars he drove without a valid licence after hers was stopped for a previous offence.She claimed she didn't look at the ban document that she signed in January.

4th May 2007

4:33 PM — After the storm of controversy caused by Celebrity Big Brother this year, and coming out as gay, you would be forgiven for thinking that Ian "H" Watkins is in need of some rest and relaxation.But with redcoat training under his belt (and let's not forget, "H" stands for hyperactive) the ex-Steps popstar has bounced back and is ready for his next big part: Nick Piazza in the West End musical FAME. He told Amy Bourke all about it.

3:55 PM — Out gay politicians were re-elected to the Scottish Parliament in yesterday's election.Patrick Harvie, who is bisexual, faced a challenge from the Scottish Christian Party.He was re-elected on the Glasgow regional list for the Green party. He told PinkNews.co.uk about some of the slurs and abuse levelled at him during the election.

3:07 PM — The first regional conference of the International Lesbian and Gay Association in Africa will take place in Johannesburg this weekend.This gathering of a large number of activists dealing with the advancement of LGBT issues on the continent hopes to make further progress.85 member states of the United Nations still criminalise consensual same-sex acts among adults.

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